SUNY Oneonta

Fourteen SUNY Oneonta students participated in the 2026 National Model United Nations conference in New York City from April 6-10, continuing a 21-year tradition of Political Science students. This year, SUNY Oneonta students represented Venezuela. The National Model United Nations (NMUN) is a non-governmental organization formally associated with the United Nations that began at Syracuse University in 1927. Since 2005, SUNY Oneonta political science majors have learned about global issues and the United Nations through a Model United Nations course that culminates in a trip to the NMUN Conference in New York City, where students have the opportunity to engage with peers from around the world. More than 250 colleges and universities globally participated in the 2026 NMUN conference, each representing a different country. Each nation's delegates join committees focusing on issues such as environmental impact, atomic energy, human rights and peacebuilding. Before the conference, students prepare for the Model UN by researching and learning about their committee's topics.

Daniela Mendez-Rodriguez, of Fulton, NY, has been elected to serve as the honorary Student Director for the SUNY Oneonta Foundation. Mendez-Rodriguez is a junior majoring in Business Administration and is expected to graduate in December 2027. "By raising and administering funds such as grants and gifts, the Foundation is able to support student programs, scholarships and academic experiences," said Mendez-Rodriguez. "As Student Director, I will advocate for the student body to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed." Through generous donations and gifts, the Foundation supports affordable access to high-quality academic experiences for students at SUNY Oneonta. Alumni and friends are engaged through the Foundation to identify and promote programs that enhance students' college experiences and long-term goals. "I want to express my gratitude to Nancy Pierce, Paul Adamo, Moreland Murray and all the board members for electing me. A special thanks to Pathy Leiva for recommending me and for believing in my capabilities to excel as Student Director," said Mendez-Rodriguez. "I am eager to begin this new role and be able to further the mission of the University Foundation!"

Fifteen students hosted the 30th annual SUNY Oneonta Undergraduate Philosophy Conference, held on campus April 17 and 18. Since its founding, the SUNY Oneonta Undergraduate Philosophy Conference has been planned, organized and run entirely by Oneonta students dedicated to showcasing the finest undergraduate work and engaging in all areas of philosophical discourse. This year's conference brought together 23 student presenters from colleges and universities in 12 states, including Brown University, Tufts University and the University of Hawaii. The 30th annual conference featured a keynote address titled "What is a Cocktail? (Wrong Answers Only)" by Dr. Neil E. Williams, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Buffalo. In celebration of the conference's 30th anniversary, the keynote was preceded by an Alumni Recognition Dinner, featuring remarks on the conference's history by Dr. Michael Koch, Associate Professor of Philosophy at SUNY Oneonta. The success of the conference was made possible by the student-run Philosophy Club, the Philosophy Department, the SUNY Oneonta Student Association, faculty and staff, student presenters and discussants, and the support and participation of all conference attendees.

SUNY Oneonta accounting and business students received firsthand experience for the future by preparing income tax returns for the community, continuing an annual tradition in Alumni Hall. Through the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, 39 students were extensively trained and were available through April 10 to provide basic tax return preparation and filing free of charge. Their services were available to area residents on Wednesdays, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Fridays, 4 to 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and appointments were fully booked by late February. The team was excited to be able to assist community members and completed more than 60 tax returns this year. The tradition, which was started years ago by a beloved former professor, William "Jeff" Weinell, is part of a three-credit class taught by Assistant Professor of Accounting Charlene Foley-Deno. To ensure privacy, the students escort each client into an office space to begin the intake interview. Completed returns are reviewed by student coordinators and, finally, by Foley-Deno before clients return the following week for an exit interview. At the exit interview, the team assigned to the client meets with them to review the details of their return. "All of this-dealing with the public, working with all kinds of people, 50 hours of training, attention to detail, being professional-it's a low-stakes environment providing a huge benefit," said Foley-Deno. "They are on their home turf, where they feel comfortable and confident and have each other, and there's just so much potential for growth. It's really fun to watch them as they transition."

Twenty students from SUNY Oneonta's Marketing Club, OnMark, traveled to Chicago from March 12-14 to attend the 2026 American Marketing Association's Annual International Collegiate Conference, where they received recognition in Professional Development, Membership and Chapter Planning from the national association. Students actively participated in several competitions, including Perfect Pitch, Marketing Strategy, Business Simulation and Digital Marketing, while also gaining valuable insights from industry speakers. OnMark Club President Patrick Scianna and Vice President Andrew Nuding also had the opportunity to present the chapter's experiences in E-board Leadership and Chapter Planning during a conference leadership session. "Being recognized in Professional Development, Membership and Chapter Planning reflects the consistent effort our entire team has put in throughout the year," said Scianna. "Our goal has always been to create valuable opportunities for our members to grow, build confidence and connect with professionals, and this recognition reinforces that we are moving in the right direction. I am incredibly proud of our executive board and members for the culture we have built and the standard we will continue to push forward!" OnMark's trip was supported by grant funding through the Caroline '67 and David D'Antonio Student Travel for Excellence Fund and the Student Travel for Excellence Program (STEP) Academic Fund.

Ashley Komosinski, of Delhi, New York, attended the annual Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) conference and showcased her research project titled "Memory Consolidation Enhances Serial Learning: An Investigation Using the Hebb Digits Task." Komosinski received the opportunity to share her psychology research with more than 1,500 higher education professionals and students at the MSCHE conference from Dec. 10-12, 2025, in Philadelphia's Center City district. She is among the nearly 250 students who have presented at the MSCHE Student Poster Presentations since 2022. "It was an amazing experience to be present at the conference," Komosinski said. "I learned so much from everyone around me. My favorite part was making connections with people I never would have met otherwise. Through this experience, I feel I have gained information and connections that will help me pursue graduate school and support me in my future career." Komosinski's research examined whether subconscious memory consolidation, the biological process that converts short-term memory into long-term memory, would help participants complete the Hebb Digits task. In the task, participants are shown a sequence of numbers and must immediately recall them in the same order. Using nine digits per sequence, most sequences are random except for one that repeats every third round. Known as the "Hebb effect," repeated exposure to the same sequence leads to gradual improvement in memory. Building on early 20th-century research showing that people recall information better after sleep than after activity, Komosinski presented participants with digit sequences across two learning sessions separated by a period of sleep. She and her SUNY Oneonta faculty sponsor, Dr. Geoffrey O'Shea, professor of psychology, adapted the traditional Hebb Digits format to test whether sleep between sessions would improve performance. "Using this format, we tested the hypothesis that serial learning of the digit sequences in the second session would be enhanced due to the intervening period of sleep," Komosinski said. "Results found that participants' recall for both the repeating and non-repeating sequences was greater for session two. Additionally, participants' digit-entry rate was faster for session two. The results are discussed in terms of the role of consolidation in associative and motor learning." Komosinski is a Psychology major at SUNY Oneonta and is a member of the Class of 2026.

A team of SUNY Oneonta faculty, staff and students traveled to Cuba from Oct. 23 to Nov. 1 to present research at the Cuba TIES (Strategic Alliances for the Internationalization of Higher Education) conference, an international event dedicated to collaboration and innovation in higher education. This marks the first time a SUNY Oneonta group has participated in the conference, joining others from U.S. institutions, including SUNY Cortland, Cal State LA and Laman College in the Bronx, along with faculty from Spain, Cuba and South Africa. Created in collaboration between the University of Cienfuegos and Civitas Global Education Services (GES) in 2014, the Cuba TIES Conference brings together educators and researchers from around the world to explore new ways of working together across disciplines and borders. The event, in its 10th iteration, highlights the value of shared knowledge and global cooperation in fostering stronger educational systems for students. Hosted at the University of Cienfuegos, "Cuba TIES 10" took place from Oct. 28-31 and was under the umbrella of the third International Scientific Convention of Cienfuegos. "We are convinced that the international association of students, professors and universities, through working relationships, will increase the sense of belonging of each individual, and therefore improve the work in the classrooms and produce better citizens for their societies," said SUNY Oneonta President Alberto Cardelle, who attended the International Scientific Convention of Cienfuegos as the keynote speaker. Read the full story: https://suny.oneonta.edu/news/students-and-faculty-present-cuba-ties-10-conference

Seven SUNY Oneonta students presented at the Astronomical Society of New York (ASNY) conference on Oct. 25 at Skidmore College. ASNY is a professional organization that holds two main meetings a year for astronomers in New York, where members present research and students can receive awards and grants. SUNY Oneonta students (and their projects) who presented at the ASNY Conference include Ethan Biles (Computational Physics for space missions), Joshua Ippolito and Tyler Mann (Lighting Up the Early Cosmos: Locating High-Redshift Supernovae with JWST), Julia Busemeyer and Delaney Vitzthum (Drop It Like It's Hot: Detecting Hot Jupiters and Other Exoplanets), Jack Millen (RockOn!) and Lucanthony Angrand (Numerical Simulation of Ring Particles Around Centaurs).

SUNY Oneonta's Music Industry students continued a longstanding tradition in late January, touring the world's largest not-for-profit music expo and trade show, The NAMM Show, in Anaheim, Calif. The NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Show, held Jan. 20-24 at the Anaheim Convention Center, brought together leaders, innovators, experts, artists and creators from the music products, pro audio and sound, and entertainment technology industries for a rousing reunion. Twenty-three SUNY Oneonta Music Industry majors and Music Industry Club members traveled with Associate Professor Paul Carter and Adjunct Lecturer Mark Pawkett to Anaheim for three days of product introductions and demonstrations, educational sessions and panel discussions, and-perhaps most importantly-networking and inspiration. "I think the highlight of my trip was genuinely taking in the people around me," said Madeline Blieden, a Music Industry major. "It was refreshing and inspiring to see how many people shared my passion for music and how expressive they were!" Students enjoyed special events, live music and celebrity appearances while exploring the latest industry trends through demonstrations, panel discussions and educational sessions on modern marketing techniques. They also tested new products from over 5,400 brands, including Roland electronic drum sets, Ernie Ball Music Man guitars and cutting-edge audio editing software. Highlights included meeting artists like Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), Mike Dirnt (Green Day), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Les Claypool (Primus), and Marcus Miller. One session Blieden attended was presented by singer-songwriter Charlie Puth, where he provided insight into his music creation and production process. The session offered a detailed look at how a successful songwriter and producer transforms inspiration into a finished product, giving attendees valuable perspective on the creative and technical aspects of the industry. "We also attended a panelist discussion with some of the most well-respected session musicians in the business, like bassist Leland Sklar and drummer Rick Marotta," said Blieden. "There was also a panelist discussion with major names in the record business like Fab Dupont and Rick Beato! It was so inspiring to listen to such highly successful and passionate musicians and executives discuss their careers!" "This trip always provides a wonderful opportunity for students to meet music industry professionals, hear inspiring presentations and see great performances," said Carter. "There is an invaluable component to the trip where students meet others who have been in their shoes, making it easier for them to stay connected long after NAMM concludes." Faculty in SUNY Oneonta's Music Department have taken students to The NAMM Show for 30 years. The NAMM trip was made possible, in part, by support from the Caroline ('67) and David D'Antonio Student Travel for Excellence Fund.

Ben Lake, from Victor, N.Y., recently presented his original planetarium show, Cultures in the Cosmos, at the Digistar Users Group (DUG) 2025 Conference, held Sept. 15-19 at the Birmingham Museum in Birmingham, England. "We got to hear presentations about things we could do inside the planetarium," said Lake. "It was honestly just a good showcase of what people can do inside planetariums. That was my key takeaway-seeing a planetarium is not just a place to look at stars. It's a place that's a fancier theater where you can have it be educational or entertaining in a variety of different ways." Lake, who is enrolled in SUNY Oneonta's Cooperstown Graduate Program in Museum Studies, M.A., is currently interning at the SUNY Oneonta Planetarium, where he develops educational programming and presents shows to the public. Cultures in the Cosmos explores constellation traditions from three world cultures: a Native American tribe, the Hawaiian Star Lines and Imperial China, highlighting how societies around the globe interpret the night sky. At the international conference, Lake showcased the Hawaiian portion of the show to an audience of planetarium professionals using the same Digistar software. His presentation received positive feedback from peers and experts, including representatives from major institutions such as the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the Adler Planetarium in Chicago. Cultures in the Cosmos is also available on the Digistar cloud database, allowing other planetariums with access to show Lake's program. "It's a 35-minute movie total," said Lake. "It's what we show every Saturday now at 10:30 p.m. in the SUNY Oneonta Planetarium. I think it's not only a good cultural showcase to show that there are different perspectives from around the world, but it's also a good constellation show in general." After Lake graduates in the spring, he plans to pursue an education role that involves what he loves most about Museum Studies: interacting with the public. His long-term goal is to transition into an education director role, where he'll be able to actively communicate with school districts and other groups to help identify their individual education needs, meet them where they are and help elevate their students' learning experiences. To help offset the cost of traveling, Lake received funding from the SUNY Oneonta Student Travel for Excellence Program (STEP) Academic Fund and the Caroline '67 and David D'Antonio Student Travel for Excellence Fund.

Four SUNY Oneonta M.S. Nutrition and Dietetics students attended the Annual Meeting & Expo (AME) of the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (NYSAND), held on Friday, April 25, at Union College in Albany, NY. The AME conference features a range of nutrition and dietetics events, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, and poster presentations by students, interns and professionals. Emily Mueller presented research titled "Effectiveness of Postpartum Nutrition Education To Optimize Maternal and Infant Health: A Quasi-Experimental Study." Leah Hamm presented research titled "Assessing the Effectiveness of a Nutrition Education Program in Kindergarten Aged Students." Emily Hoy presented research titled "The Effect of a Tailored Nutrition Intervention on Sports Nutrition Knowledge and Running Performance in Recreational Runners." Tania Young received the NYSAND award for "Outstanding Dietetic Student."

Three SUNY Oneonta Dietetics students presented research from a yearlong, grant-funded project called "The Body Project" at the Annual Meeting & Expo (AME) of the New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (NYSAND). The conference was held Friday, April 25, at Union College in Albany, NY. The AME conference features a range of nutrition and dietetics events, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, and poster presentations by students, interns and professionals. Students Sabrinna Mena, Katie Daniszewski and Brendan Heaney received the Poster Award in recognition of their research and scholarly work. The Body Project is a peer-led body image and eating disorder workshop designed to challenge harmful appearance ideals and promote healthier attitudes. The project was supported by the Student Grant Program for Research and Creative Activity, which is funded by the University Foundation and the SUNY Oneonta Alumni Association, and facilitated by the Senate Committee on Research and the Faculty Center. The project built on earlier research conducted in spring 2024, when students completed a campus-wide needs assessment. The survey found high rates of eating disorders, disordered eating behaviors and body dissatisfaction among SUNY Oneonta students. Sixty percent of respondents showed signs of elevated eating disorder risk, and 42% were at moderate to high risk for compulsive exercise. In a pilot group of seven students, participants completed surveys before and after attending The Body Project workshop. Results showed improvements in eating and exercise behaviors. On average, eating disorder risk scores dropped by more than seven points, and compulsive exercise scores decreased by nearly 2.5 points. These findings suggest The Body Project may be an effective tool for improving body image among SUNY Oneonta students.

Three SUNY Oneonta students presented at the 12th annual SUNY Undergraduate Research Conference (SURC) at Binghamton University on Monday, April 28. This multidisciplinary event brought together undergraduate students and faculty mentors from across the SUNY system for a full day of activities, including student presentations, a graduate school and career fair, professional development workshops and a keynote address by SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. Faith Logue ('25) presented "Radio Waves and Music Promotion: What College - and College Radio - Have Taught Me About the Music Industry." Logue's faculty mentor for SURC was Associate Professor of Media Studies Andrew Bottomley. Ethan Hadley ('25) presented "Design and Synthesis of a Quinocyanine for Medicinal Chemistry Applications." Hadley's faculty mentors were Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Ronald Bishop and Assistant Professor of Chemistry Angela Migues. Hayley Champlin ('26) presented "Silence in The Streets: A Dive Into Vacant Housing." Champlin's faculty mentor was Professor of Sociology, Geography and Environmental Studies Gregory Fulkerson.

SUNY Oneonta accounting and business students received firsthand experience for the future by preparing income tax returns for the community, continuing an annual tradition in Alumni Hall and the ExCL Center on Dietz Street. Through the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, 30 students were extensively trained and were available through April 13 to provide basic tax return preparation and filing free of charge. Their services were available to area residents, with appointments available on Wednesdays, 5:30 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon. The team was excited to be able to assist community members and completed more than 60 tax returns this year. The tradition, which was started years ago by a beloved former professor, William "Jeff" Weinell, is part of a three-credit class taught by Assistant Professor of Accounting Charlene Foley-Deno. To ensure privacy, the students escort each client into an office space to begin the intake interview. Completed returns are reviewed by student coordinators and, finally, by Foley-Deno before clients return the following week for an exit interview. At the exit interview, the team assigned to the client meets with them to review the details of their return. "We used to do the returns side-by-side with clients in a computer lab in one sitting, but this really brings a new level of professionalism, how it's done in the real world, and also allows for collaboration among the students," Foley-Deno explained. "All of this-dealing with the public, working with all kinds of people, 50 hours of training, attention to detail, being professional-it's a low-stakes environment providing a huge benefit. They are on their home turf, where they feel comfortable and confident and have each other, and there's just so much potential for growth. It's really fun to watch them as they transition."

Twenty-one students in SUNY Oneonta's Marketing Club, OnMark, traveled to New Orleans to attend the 2025 American Marketing Association's Annual International Collegiate Conference, where they ranked among the Top 15 Collegiate Chapters of the Year. OnMark was ranked out of 331 competing colleges and universities, and the only SUNY school included in the national Top 20 Chapters list. Schools are judged based on their accomplishments, with each chapter submitting an annual report detailing their fundraiser events, membership drives, community service, career development workshops, and other AMA competitions in which the club participated throughout the year. "I'm incredibly proud of OnMark for earning this recognition," said OnMark club President Kaelin O'Connor. "Being the only SUNY school and one of the smallest universities competing in the Large Chapter category, I really appreciate everyone's hard work and dedication. It wouldn't have been possible without the support of our members and executive board."

SUNY Oneonta is proud to announce that the Marketing Club, OnMark, received a Commendable Mention recognition in the 2025 AMA Collegiate Case Competition, co-sponsored by Adobe and Deloitte Digital. This prestigious recognition is awarded to only a select number of schools nationwide, and SUNY Oneonta's team was the only SUNY institution to earn a spot on the list. The competition challenged students to develop innovative strategies to promote Adobe Express to college students aged 18-24. The team crafted a comprehensive 20-page marketing plan, which included target market research, positioning and value propositions, SWOT analysis, competitive analysis and strategic communication tactics such as slogans and messaging strategies. This achievement reflects the hard work, creativity and dedication of the talented student team: Spirit Alves (Lead), Anthony Moore, Bridget Doherty, Erleen Rosso, Kaelin O'Connor, Mya Morrison, Rakell Dominguez and Ryan Eno. The team was guided by faculty advisor Wilson Lin, whose mentorship and support were instrumental in their success. Competing against top collegiate teams from across the country, the students demonstrated outstanding marketing expertise, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

SUNY Oneonta's Music Industry students continued a longstanding tradition in late January, touring the world's largest not-for-profit music expo and trade show, The NAMM Show, in Anaheim, Calif. The NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Show, held Jan. 21-25 at the Anaheim Convention Center, brought together leaders, innovators, experts, artists and creators from the music products, pro audio and sound, and entertainment technology industries for a rousing reunion. Despite the damage caused by the Southern California wildfires, air quality remained safe all week, with no fire-related impact on Anaheim or the surrounding areas. Fifteen SUNY Oneonta Music Industry majors and Music Industry Club members traveled with Associate Professor Paul Carter to Anaheim for three days of product introductions and demonstrations, educational sessions and panel discussions, and - perhaps most importantly - networking and inspiration. "The highlight of my NAMM trip this year was getting my first brand endorsement as a drummer and artist," said Aidan Loeffler, a Music Industry major. "I met the brand No Nuts cymbal sleeves at NAMM last year, and have been using them since. I got an endorsement from them this year, which I am extremely excited about! It is one of the first big steps in my career as a drummer!" Students enjoyed special events, live music and celebrity appearances while exploring the latest industry trends through demonstrations, panel discussions and educational sessions on modern marketing techniques. They also tested new products from over 4,000 brands, including Roland electronic drum sets, Ernie Ball Music Man guitars and cutting-edge audio editing software. Highlights included meeting artists like John Otto (Limp Bizkit), Mick Thomson (Slipknot), Gary Holt (Slayer), Zack Grooves, and Johnathan "Sugarfoot" Moffett. While in California, students maximized their trip by networking at events and directly with brands and artists on the show floor. Returning attendees, like Loeffler, reconnected with peers and past contacts from across the country. They wrapped up their experience with a visit to Disneyland. "This trip always provides a wonderful opportunity for students to meet music industry professionals, hear inspiring presentations and see great performances," said Carter. "There is an invaluable component to the trip where students meet others who have been in their shoes, making it easier for them to stay connected long after NAMM concludes." Faculty in SUNY Oneonta's Music Department have taken students to The NAMM Show for 29 years. The NAMM trip was made possible, in part, by support from the Caroline ('67) and David D'Antonio Student Travel for Excellence Fund.

Three SUNY Oneonta students spent their spring break in Valencia, Spain at the "Twentieth Annual International Conference on Technology, Knowledge, and Society," hosted by the Polytechnic University of Valencia. Working with faculty member Daniel Patrone, Department of Philosophy, student researchers have spent the past 6 months examining institutional compliance with safety and reporting regulations in research involving rDNA technology and synthetic biology. They traveled to Spain to present their paper "Biosafety and Transparency in the Review and Oversight of Research Involving Potentially Dangerous Biotechnology." They spent a week in Spain, sharing their findings and networking with professionals from around the world. The students' research and presentation were funded by a SUNY Oneonta Faculty Research and Creative Activities Grant, the D'Antonio Student Travel Award, and the Tony Rhoda Award in Applied Ethics.

SUNY Oneonta accounting and business students are getting firsthand experience for the future by preparing income tax returns for the community, continuing an annual tradition in an impressive new venue: the recently renovated Alumni Hall. Through the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, 21 students were extensively trained and are available through April 13 to provide basic tax return preparation and filing free of charge. Their services are available to area residents, with appointments available on Wednesdays, 5:30 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon. The team is excited to be able to assist community members and expects to complete more than 60 tax returns this year. The tradition, which was started years ago by a beloved former professor, William "Jeff" Weinell, is hosted in a new space this year in Alumni Hall, which reopened in the fall after a multi-year, $22 million renovation transformed the building into a state-of-the-art center for learning and innovation.

Twenty students in SUNY Oneonta's Marketing Club, OnMark, traveled to New Orleans to attend the 2024 American Marketing Association's Annual International Collegiate Conference, where they ranked among the Top 15 Collegiate Chapters of the Year. OnMark was ranked No. 11 out of more than 350 competing colleges and universities. Schools are judged based on their accomplishments, with each chapter submitting an annual report detailing their fundraiser events, membership drives, community service, career development workshops, and other AMA competitions in which the club participated throughout the year.

On Nov. 2, 2023, 28 SUNY Oneonta students from the School of Economics and Business participated in the annual Backpacks to Briefcases event, where students travel to New York City to visit with alumni in the business and financial industries. Alumni host the students in their place of employment, and this year, the Backpacks to Briefcases program featured two alumni hosts per visiting group. Backpacks to Briefcases is a long-standing program at SUNY Oneonta that began in 2006 and is designed to help students start building their professional network before graduating. It is one of five Campus to Careers programs that offers students the opportunity to ask alumni questions about their journey from student to their current title. Its success paved the way for other programs across different majors at SUNY Oneonta like Mixing Board to Management (Music Industry), Goodrich to Broadway (Theatre), Campus to Capital (Political Science) and Academics to Agencies (Communication and Media Studies). "The value of the networking experience for students lies in the meaningful connections forged through interactions with alumni during Backpacks to Briefcases," said Laura Lincoln, executive direct in the Office of Alumni Engagement. "These connections serve as bridges between academics and real-world applications." The 2023 Backpacks to Briefcases program featured the following alumni hosts: Marco Ammirati '20 (Arrow Search Partners), Seth Crystall '80 (ION Group), Shawn Dacey '13 (Brookfield Properties), John Doherty '87 (Ernst & Young), Stiven Espinosa-Hunter '17 (ABM Industries), Dave Gaber '09 (Arrow Search Partners), Jason Konopolsky '09 (Brookfield Properties), Lyndee McCallum '07 (JP Morgan), Larry Pestana '11 (ABM Industries), Scott Salmirs '84 (ABM Industries), Richard Saperstein '81 (Treasury Partners), Michael Sternberg '18 (Treasury Partners) and Jenna Vasilakopoulos '21 (Arrow Search Partners). Backpacks to Briefcases is funded by the Oneonta Student Association and the SUNY Oneonta Alumni Association through charitable gifts to the Fund for Oneonta.

In August 2023, three students who graduated from SUNY Oneonta and one undergraduate student traveled to Kansas City, Missouri with Professor of Biology Florian Reyda for the 98th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Parasitologists. Morgan Fleming ('22) and Emily Bulmer ('23) gave a poster presentation on their research with Reyda in Texas where they conducted a fish parasite survey in 2022. Hannah Whitcomb ('21) presented a poster presentation on her ongoing MS thesis work in which she is conducting a fish parasite survey of the tributaries of Oneida Lake, New York, to use parasites as indicators of environmental change. Katerina Sawickij ('24) presented a poster presentation on her ongoing MS thesis work on fish parasites in the Florida Everglades. The student research was supported in part by Student Research Grants from SUNY Oneonta. The students' travel to these meetings was supported by the Caroline '67 and David D'Antonio Student Travel for Excellence Fund, the Student Travel for Excellence Program (STEP) and the American Society of Parasitologists.

Lukas Svrcek of Pawling, NY, presented at the National Association for Collegiate Directors of Athletics conference on June 12 in Orlando, Fla, with SUNY Oneonta Assistant Professor of Sport and Exercise Sciences Dr. Katherine Griffes. Dr. Griffes and Svrcek, an Exercise Science major, presented in front of athletic administrators, including directors, fundraisers, compliance officers and other stakeholders for college athletics. Their presentation, titled "Student Athlete Leadership Development: A Pilot Study," discussed the implementation and results of a one-credit leadership course developed by Svrcek and Griffes, for which Svrcek was a teaching assistant. The presentation contained data that Svrcek and Griffes collected nearly a year ago, looking at the concerns, educational needs and challenges that Division III athlete leaders face while taking on the role of team captain. The course ran for the first time in the first mini-session of spring 2023 and will run twice in the fall at SUNY Oneonta. Athletes who take part in the course are nominated by their coaches and get opportunities to implement new leadership strategies during their season. To assess the course, Griffes and Svrcek collected pre- and post-test data from the students and their coaches before and immediately after the class concluded and at the end of the athletic season. The data provided baseline information about each athlete's current leadership behaviors and allowed Svrcek and Griffes to document the changes the athlete leaders and their coaches saw in a variety of areas, including communication, athlete wellness, team culture, inspiring vision, challenging old ways and encouraging athletes. "Overall, we saw approximately a 20 percent increase in leadership behaviors reported from both the athletes and coaches from the beginning of the course to the end of the season," said Griffes. "This tells us that the athletes adjusted their behaviors during the class and continued to display those behaviors after they completed the course." Svrcek received financial support for the experience through the Caroline '67 and D'Antonio Student Travel for Excellence Fund, which provides up to $30,000 each year in grants is available to assist undergraduate and a limited number of graduate students with expenses incurred during professional travel.

Six SUNY Oneonta students won the highest possible honor at the 2023 National Model United Nations conference in New York City from April 10-14. SUNY Oneonta students represented Cambodia this year, and they were one of just 24 delegations to receive the Outstanding Delegation Award. The National Model United Nations (NMUN) is a non-governmental organization formally associated with the United Nations. The first simulated conference of the NMUN, known at the time as the Model Assembly of the League of Nations, took place nearly 100 years ago at Syracuse University in 1927. Since 2005, SUNY Oneonta political science majors have learned about global issues and the United Nations through a Model United Nations course that culminates in a trip to the NMUN Conference in New York City, where students have the opportunity to engage with peers from around the world. "The conference was an amazing opportunity to collaborate with other amazing college students and aspiring leaders from across the world and negotiate and problem solve with them about complex topics, such as safe nuclear waste management, nuclear facility safeguards and the United Nations sustainable development goals," said August Heminway, a dual-major in Criminal Justice and Political Science at SUNY Oneonta. More than 90 colleges and universities participated in the 2023 NMUN conference, each representing a different country. Each nation's delegates join one of 13 committees focusing on issues such as environmental impact, atomic energy, human rights and peacebuilding. Before the conference, students prepare for the Model UN by researching and learning about their committee's topics. This year, Oneonta students Aliyah Abdelsalam and Daniela Suarez were members of the General Assembly First Committee, and John Furgele and August Heminway were members of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Angela Wayman and Alex Headley served on the United Nations Environmental Assembly committee and won an Outstanding Position Paper Award for their work. "The Outstanding Position Paper Award is for the two-page papers each committee submitted before the conference started, based on the work we did in class," said Matt Murphy, associate professor of international relations and comparative politics and the Model UN course instructor. "Angela and Alex's submission was among the top ten papers of about 90 teams on that committee." All six SUNY Oneonta students won the Outstanding Delegation Award based on their performance and preparedness. "There were a couple of unusual instances at the Model UN where students from other universities became swept up in the bargaining and competitiveness, leading to arguments and highly escalated tempers," said Murphy. "Our students were consistently pushing for diplomacy and reasonable discussion. I believe that's one of the reasons we were recognized for Outstanding Delegation."

Twenty students in SUNY Oneonta's Marketing Club, OnMark, traveled to New Orleans last week to attend the 2023 American Marketing Association's Annual International Collegiate Conference, where they were ranked among the Top 10 Collegiate Chapters of the Year. OnMark received this recognition among 333 competing colleges and universities. Schools are judged based on their accomplishments, with each chapter submitting an annual report detailing their fundraiser events, membership drives, community service, career development workshops, and other AMA competitions in which the club participated throughout the year. This was an improvement from last year, when OnMark was named one of the Top 15 Collegiate Chapters of the Year at the 2022 conference in Chicago. Attendance at the conference was made by possible in part by a grant from the D'Antonio Travel for Excellence Fund.

SUNY Oneonta business administration and accounting students are as busy as ever this tax season as they continue to help classmates, university employees and area residents prepare and file their simple tax returns via a campus program that is nearly a decade old. A total of 19 students have been thoroughly trained through the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program during the spring 2023 semester. The VITA program is part of a three-credit course offered for a second year at SUNY Oneonta, where students spend a large portion of the semester getting certified and preparing tax returns for those with a salary of $60k or less. "Preparing other people's tax returns gives the students experience in meeting people and interacting with them in ways that demonstrate competence, professionalism, poise, punctuality, courtesy and empathy," said Lisa Flynn, associate professor of accounting and the course's instructor. "The students have learned how to ask for sensitive financial information in ways that put the client at ease to the greatest extent possible." Students work in pairs to complete client returns, ensuring accuracy as they handle sensitive information. Among the 19 preparers are four returning student coordinators, who have been given increased responsibility and an increased sense of "ownership" in the program. The service provided by the students in the VITA program is free. VITA students who prepare returns must take and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. This training includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information. Additionally, the IRS requires a quality review check for every return prepared at a VITA site prior to filing. "The students have learned the importance of attention to detail and have experienced how important it is to 'get things right' the first time," said Flynn. "There are still several open appointments that we hope to see fill up before we complete the VITA portion of the course." Students have already filed returns for 22 clients, both federal and state, with an additional 10 appointments scheduled. After all appointments conclude on April 12, the course will finish with lessons on international taxation in various countries. SUNY Oneonta has been a VITA partner organization for many years, thanks to William "Jeff" Weinell, a business lecturer and advisement coordinator who passed away in 2020. Weinell, who also served as a mentor and advisor to various campus clubs, initiated and grew the VITA program, which, was initially held off campus and was a volunteer opportunity for a small number of students.

After a two-year break, SUNY Oneonta music industry students resumed a longstanding tradition last week, visiting and taking part in the world's largest music products trade show, The NAMM Show, in Anaheim, Calif. Held June 3-5 at the Anaheim Convention Center, The NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Show brought together leaders, innovators, experts, artists and creators across the music products, pro audio and sound, and entertainment technology industry for a rousing reunion. The annual event was not held the past two years because of COVID and was reimagined and rescheduled for June this year instead of the customary January to avoid any lingering travel restrictions. Ten SUNY Oneonta music industry majors and Music Industry Club members traveled with Lecturer Nancy Tarr to Anaheim to take part in three days of product introductions and demonstrations, educational sessions and panel discussions, and - perhaps most importantly - networking and inspiration. Students enjoyed special events, live music and celebrity appearances; attended dozens of demonstrations, panel discussions and educational sessions tied to today's trends and marketing techniques; and got to preview and test new products from 3,500 brands, from Ciari Guitars' folding guitar to the SoulPedal, a shoe insole that offers wireless control of wah, volume and MIDI parameters. Another highlight included meeting Derek Dixie, music director for global superstar Beyonce. While in California, the group met up with 2007 SUNY Oneonta graduate Noah Rakoski and learned about his work as head of West Coast Label Relations for YouTube Music at Google. Thanks to Rakoski, Oneonta students got to tour Google's impressive facility. Faculty in SUNY Oneonta's Music Department have taken students to The NAMM Show for 25 years. This was the sixth NAMM trip organized by Tarr, who said this type of experiential learning is key to a great education. "It's a wonderful opportunity for students to meet and learn from people who have been in their shoes," she said. Tarr is executive director of Well Dunn, a music nonprofit that connects college students with internships in the music and entertainment industry. While at NAMM, she was featured in a "Turn Up Her Mic: Creating Gender Equality for Music Directors" panel discussing and empowering women working behind the scenes in the live music industry. This trip was made possible, in part, by support from the Caroline ('67) and David D'Antonio Student Travel for Excellence Fund.

Eleven SUNY Oneonta students enrolled in Political Science 280 participated in the 2022 National Model United Nations Conference in New York City from April 10-14. The Oneonta delegation represented the country of Germany and won two policy paper awards.

SUNY Oneonta mathematics major Aliyah Abdelsalam was among a select group of college students chosen to present at SUNY Oneonta's 26th annual Undergraduate Philosophy Conference, held April 1-2, 2022, on the Oneonta campus. Abdelsalam presented a paper titled "Possible Worlds: The Metaverse" at the student-organized conference, which drew philosophy student scholars from colleges and universities across the country and featured a keynote lecture by Dr. Alice Dreger titled "Courage and the Value of Disloyalty."

SUNY Oneonta accounting students have been busy this month preparing income tax returns for the campus community and beyond through the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Through the VITA program, 17 students were extensively trained and are available through April 13 to provide free basic tax return preparation and filing for SUNY Oneonta students and employees. The initiative is also open to area residents, but they must qualify for VITA, and the team is only accepting simple tax returns at this time. Working in teams of two, the students have filed tax returns for more than 20 people so far, with more appointments scheduled. Appointments can be made Mondays and Wednesdays starting at 5:15 and take place in the Hodgdon IRC building, room 120. SUNY Oneonta has been a VITA partner organization for many years, thanks to William "Jeff" Weinell, a lecturer and academic advisement coordinator for the School of Economics and Business who passed away in 2020. Weinell, who also served as a mentor and advisor to various campus clubs, initiated and grew the VITA program which, while he ran it, was held off campus and was a volunteer opportunity for a small number of students. After a year off because of COVID, the program is now being held on campus, which is a first, and has been turned into a class, which assistant professor of accounting Charlene Foley-Deno teaches. "This is an incredible experiential learning opportunity for our students," Foley-Deno said. "They are not only putting into practice what they've learned in the classroom but they're also getting to interact with community members and help simplify a process that, for many people, can be confusing and stressful." All VITA volunteers must take and pass 50-plus hours of IRS tax law training, which includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information. In addition to requiring volunteers to certify their knowledge of the tax laws, the IRS requires a quality review check for every return prepared at a VITA site prior to filing. To schedule an appointment, contact Jesse Holland at jesse.holland@oneonta.edu or 607-436-3251.